ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
PM inaugurates various projects in Junagadh district
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated various projects in Junagadh district. These included the Government Civil Hospital, a milk processing plant and some buildings of the Junagadh Agriculture University.
Addressing a public meeting on the occasion, he said that there are nine initiatives, worth over Rs 500 crore, which are either being dedicated today, or their foundation stones are being laid. He said that there is a new energy and vibrancy in India's development journey.
He said that in Gujarat, there is a constant effort to ensure that adequate water reaches every part of the state. We are also working towards water conservation, he added.
The Prime Minister said that medical colleges and hospitals are coming up across Gujarat. He said that these are not only helping patients, but also those who want to study medicine. He mentioned the Jan Aushadhi Yojana, under which Jan Aushadhi stores are being opened, which is reducing the prices of medicines. It is important that the poor and the middle class gets access to affordable medicines, he added.
The Prime Minister said that the Government's emphasis on cleanliness is being universally appreciated. The emphasis on cleanliness is important because a Clean India ensures people do not suffer from diseases, he added.
The Prime Minister said that the health sector requires good doctors, and paramedical staff. We also want medical instruments to be made in India, he added, saying that the sector must also keep pace with the technological advancements globally.
The Prime Minister asserted that the coming of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana- Ayushman Bharat will transform the health sector and ensure that the poor get top class healthcare at affordable prices.
Ministry of Cooperation
Inauguration of Sahayog Mela
NABARD Gujarat Regional Office has organized a 3 day exhibition-cum-sale event namely, the Sahayog Mela at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad during 11th-13th March 2023.
It is the third edition of the annual exhibition-cum-sale event organised by NABARD to provide a marketing platform to more than 250 Rural artisans/craftsmen, Farmers, Self Help Groups , Farmer Producer Organisation / Off-Farm Producers Organisation , Weavers, etc. from across the country.
The event was inaugurated by Shri Manish Bhardwaj, IAS, Principal Secretary, Narmada, in the presence of Shri Surendra Rana, CGM SBI; Shri Abdul Gafur Khatri, Padmashree Awardee for Rogan Art; Shri BK Singhal, Chief General Manager, NABARD and other Senior bureaucrats, academicians, bankers and mela participants.
Shri B K Singhal, CGM, NABARD in his welcome address thanked the participants for their fervor and zeal in making the Sahyog Mela a grand event. He appreciated the craftsmanship of the artisans and exhorted Amdavadis to visit the Mela with friends and families and encourage out indigenous arts and crafts. Impressing upon the bustling gifting and marriage industry of India, he proposed a new concept of A2G i.e. Artisans to Gifting for promoting the indigenous crafts. There are more than 120 stalls with products from 20 different States.
Shri Manish Bhardwaj, IAS, in his keynote address, appreciated NABARD for hosting this unique event which not only provides a marketing platform to our farmers, artisans, SHGs but also a chance to understand the liking & taste of urban customers. He also highlighted that on the side lines of Sahyog Mela, NABARD is facilitating B2B tie ups for FPOs, Artisans, Craftsmen, etc. He also requested NABARD to take lead in collaborating the efforts of Government Departments and Bankers and guiding the process of strong and vigorous Marketing ecosystem for rural producers.
The 3rd day of the event would be a Buyer-Seller meet for B2B marketing.
YP/GP/JD
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 189.63 Cr
Over 2.97 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years
India's Active caseload currently stands at 19,719
3,275 new cases reported in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.74%
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 0.78%
India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 189.63 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 2,34,93,473 sessions.
COVID-19 vaccination for the age group 12-14 years was started on 16 March, 2022. So far, more than 2.97 Cr  adolescents have been administered with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years also started from 10th April, 2022 onwards.
The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
10405451
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
10020295
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
4866147
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
18416275
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
17546101
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
7773368
|
|
Age Group 12-14 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
29707359
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
8390978
|
|
Age Group 15-18 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
58590473
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
42769308
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
555915849
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
480005191
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
219994
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
202963032
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
188420856
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
684592
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
126896909
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
117401725
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
15336459
|
|
Precaution Dose
|
|
2,88,80,560
|
|
Total
|
|
1,89,63,30,362
India’s Active Caseload currently stands at 19,719. Active cases now constitute 0.05% of the country's total Positive Cases.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.74%. 3,010 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 4,25,47,699.
3,275 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
The last 24 hours saw a total of 4,23,430 COVID-19 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 83.93 Cr  cumulative tests.
Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 0.78% and the Daily Positivity rate is also reported to be 0.77%.
IFSC Authority
Regulatory Framework for Distribution of Capital Market Products & Services
The International Financial Services Centres Authority , in furtherance of its mandate to develop and regulate financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres , has notified the regulatory framework for Distribution of Capital Market Products and Services under IFSCA  Regulations, 2021.
In recognition of the crucial role played by distributors in distribution of capital market products and services, a regulatory framework for distribution activities has been specified. Further, as the unified regulator of a global financial centre, IFSCA has enabled the registered distributors to undertake global distribution from IFSC and offer their services to clients in various jurisdictions. In order to protect the interest of clients, the framework provides for various eligibility requirements, a detailed code of conduct including an advertisement code, other obligations, various permissible activities, responsibilities of issuers and service providers in IFSC, etc.
The salient features of this framework are as under:
- Distributors may undertake distribution of:
- Capital Market Products – which include a wide bouquet of securities as covered under Securities Contracts  Act, 1956.
- Capital Market Services – which include portfolio management services and investment advisory services.
- While distributors may offer their services to “sophisticated investors” and distribute a wide bouquet of products and services to them, the distribution to other investors may be undertaken with higher level of diligence and from a restricted set of products and services.
- Distributors are permitted to enter into arrangements with other distributors  from India, IFSC and foreign jurisdictions to widen the scope of their operations, get access to a larger pool of issuers and service providers, and cater to a broader clientele.
- IFSCA registered / licensed entities, such as Banking Units, Finance Companies, Broker-Dealers, Investment Bankers, Investment Advisers and Corporate Agents – may avail of the simplified registration process and undertake distribution services from IFSC.
- For investing in such jurisdictions which permit omnibus structures, certain distributors, such as Banking Units, Finance Companies, Broker-Dealers and those with a net worth more than USD 1,50,000, are permitted to invest through such structure, subject to adequate measures, such as prior consent of clients, maintenance of records, compliance with KYC and AML/CFT norms, etc.
- A comprehensive code of conduct has been prescribed to ensure distributors maintain high standards of integrity, disclosure, diligence, promptitude and fairness in their dealings with clients. The code of conduct shall be complied by all registered distributors, associated distributors and other distributors that are empaneled by IFSC based entities for distribution of their products / services.
The detailed framework for Distribution of Capital Market Products and Services may be accessed at https://ifsca.gov.in/Circular
Ministry of Defence
Installation of War Trophy T-55 Tank at PCDA Pune
Pune, 22 October 2020
Army War Trophy - “T- 55 Tank” was installed in the premises of the Office of Principal Controller of Defence Accounts  Pune on 22nd October 2020.
The installation of the Army War Trophy – “T-55 Tank” was inaugurated virtually from Delhi by Shri Sanjiv Mittal, IDAS, Controller General of Defence Accounts in the presence of Dr Nirupama Kajla, IDAS, PCDA , Shri Mayank Sharma, IDAS, PCDA , Shri Mihir Kumar, IDAS, Director NADFM & CDA and other IDAS officers PCDA  Pune is a flagship organisation of Defence Accounts Department  under Ministry of Defence . The organisation is entrusted with the task of pre audit and payment of Pay and Allowances and all claims of over 53,000 officers of Indian Army from Lieutenant to Chief of Defence Staff serving over the length and breadth of the country.
Shri Sanjiv Mittal, IDAS, Controller General of Defence Accounts in his inaugural message said that display of Army War Trophy – “T-55 tank” in the premises of PCDA  reflects the synergy between the Army and Defence Accounts Department. He praised the professional attitude of the organisation in carrying out its responsibilities which was being aptly recognised by the Army Authorities by conferring commendation of Chief of the Army Staff to three officers of PCDA  and other officers of the Defence Accounts Department.
On this occasion, Dr Nirupama Kajla, IDAS, PCDA  thanked the Army Authorities and assured that the PCDA Office will remain committed to provide quality service to the Army Officers. She said that installation of T-55 Tank in the premises of PCDA  is a matter of great pride for the officials of the PCDA. It will boost our moral and keep motivating us to continue performing our duties efficiently. She emphasised on the effort put in by the staff and officers of PCDA  to ensure that the monthly pay and Allowances and the retirement dues of the retiring officers are remitted on time even during the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19.PIB Pune/M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Prime Minister's Office
PM speaks to Rashtrapati Ji's son; enquires about President's health
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi spoke to Rashtrapati Ji's son. He enquired about the President's health and prayed for his well-being.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST supported healthcare startup developing rapid test for detection of COVID-19
The Department of Science & Technology has funded ‘Module Innovations”, a Pune based healthcare startup working on point of care diagnostics to build up on its platform technology for rapid diagnosis of diseases to develop a product for detecting COVID 19 with a 10 to 15 minute test.
Using the proven concept from its flagship product USense, Module is now developing nCoVSENSEs  which is a rapid test device for detection of antibodies that have been generated against the COVID 19 in the human body.
With the current stage that India is in, doing a mass screening is of extreme importance. With the rapid test device it will be possible to confirm infection in patients and also determine whether an infected patent has recovered and also identify the stage of infection in the patients.
The current confirmatory method of Real-TimeReverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction  though a gold standard is costly, takes longer time and needs trained manpower. This new rapid test will help manage the problem in a more efficient way at a lesser cost.
"While not being a substitute for the PCRbased confirmatory technique, the tests based on the detection of antibodies are being deployed globally for the purposes of rapid mass screenings that take some of the burden off from limited number of PCR machines, and help in the formulation of strategies and decision making, among other things", said Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology.
The nCoVSENSe test is aimed at detecting the IgG and IgM antibodies generated in the human body upon the onset of viral infection and is targeted against the Spike proteins making it specific for COVID 19.
The startup is planning to deploy the test in a time of 2-3 months after due validation with national agencies. This in future will also help determine people who have recovered and assign them front line jobs. The test could also be used to screen patients and passengers at airports, railway stations, hospitals and many such settings thus safeguarding us for any future outbreak as well.
While the feasibility of the technology has been proved, the Proof of concept  and Prototype illustrating functionality of product are to be demonstrated.
(For further details contact
Sachin Dubey
sachin@moduleinnovations.com
7350840295)
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Steps taken to resolve Consumer Complaints
(There is an increase in the number of complaints every year in the National Consumer Helpline set up by the Department of Consumer Affairs. The number of complaints received during the last three years is as given below:
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Year
|
|
Complaints received at National Consumer Helpline
|
|
August, 2016 to March, 2017
|
|
2,12,710
|
|
April, 2017- March, 2018
|
|
3,98,148
|
|
April, 2018-March, 2019
|
|
4,80,169
|
|
Total
|
|
10,91,027
The disposal rate is about 90%.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has set up a National Consumer Helpline  for handling the complaints of the consumers. A consumer can lodge his complaint in the NCH through the toll free number 1800-11-4000 / 14404, sms, or online through the portal. “INGRAM” . The complaints received at the NCH are forwarded to the companies/regulators/ Government Departments concerned for resolution. For quicker resolution of consumer complaints, NCH has partnered with more than 500 companies under its convergence programme. The complaints relating to the convergence companies are transferred to them online for resolution. In the event of a complaint not being resolved by a company, the consumer is advised to approach a Consumer Forum of appropriate jurisdiction established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, a three-tier quasi-judicial mechanism, called Consumer Fora, has been set up at the district, State and National levels to provide simple, speedy and inexpensive redressal to consumer disputes. These quasi-judicial bodies have been empowered to give relief of a specific nature and to award, wherever appropriate, compensation to consumers.
This information was given in a written reply by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Danve Raosaheb Dadarao in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India and UK conclude fifth round of talks for India-UK Free Trade Agreement
On 29 July 2022, the Republic of India and the United Kingdom concluded the fifth round of talks for an India-UK Free Trade Agreement . Negotiation officials undertook these technical talks in a hybrid fashion – with some of the teams meeting in New Delhi, India, and the majority of officials joining virtually. For this round of negotiations, technical experts from both sides came together for detailed draft treaty text discussions in 85 separate sessions covering 15 policy areas. Indian and UK officials will continue to work intensively throughout the summer towards our target to conclude the majority of talks on a comprehensive and balanced Free Trade Agreement by the end of October 2022.
Prime Minister's Office
PM congratulates Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran for winning Silver Medal in Men's Double Table Tennis
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran for winning Silver Medal in Men's Double Table Tennis at Birmingham CWG 2022.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"More power to teamwork! Glad that the dynamic team of @sharathkamal1 and @sathiyantt have won the Silver medal in the Men’s Doubles event. Best wishes to these brilliant athletes. #Cheer4India"
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Rajasthan
The Income Tax Department carried out search and seizure operations in border districts of Rajasthan on 28.10.2021 covering 33 premises at different locations, where the groups are carrying on business of real estate, sand-mining and liquor trade.
During the course of the search, documentary evidences were found and seized indicating receipt of unaccounted cash as well as utilisation of the same towards purchase of land. Further, documentary evidence of cash sales of sand has been found and seized. The analysis of the same reveals that part of these cash sales have not been recorded in the books of accounts.
The search operation has resulted in seizure of unaccounted cash of Rs. 2.31 crore and unexplained jewellery of Rs. 2.48 crore.
The search action has led to the detection of total unaccounted income exceeding Rs.50 crore. Out of the above, the assessees have admitted unaccounted income exceeding Rs. 35 crore and offered to pay due taxes on the same.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Railways
Metro Carries More than 12 lakh Passengers from Sashthi to Dashami
Kolkata, October 18, 2021
The Metro Railway carried 12,68,583 passengers from Sashthi  to Dashami . During these five days, the maximum footfall was recorded on Sashthi . On that day, 3,77,761 passengers travelled by the Metro. On the Mahasaptami day, i.e., October 12, 2021, 2,89,051 passengers availed Metro. On that day, 12 extra services  were run, apart from the scheduled 204 services to manage the rush of the pandal-hoppers.
On the Mahashtami day, i.e., October 13, 2021, Metro recorded 2,45,013 footfalls. On that day also, 12 extra services  were run apart from 204 scheduled services to manage the puja rush. On Mahanavami day, Metro recorded 2,39,480 footfalls. On that day, a total of 216 services  were run.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Shri. Bhupender Yadav, attends the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ meet at Bali
Need to focus on improving the employment conditions of the workers for a strong and resilient recovery: Shri Bhupender Yadav
Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Shri. Bhupender Yadav, attended the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ meeting at Bali, Indonesia on 13 – 14 September 2022.
Speaking at the Ministerial session, Union Minister spoke about the importance of countries to come together for promotion of responsive and robust policies relating to employment generation, social protection, skilling and formalization, in the post pandemic period for ensuring a more resilient, equitable and sustainable recovery.
The Union Minister also commended Indonesia for selecting the priority areas which are critical in the ever changing world of work. These are, Labour Market Integration of Persons with Disabilities, Sustainable Growth and Productivity in Human Capacity Development through Strengthening Community Based Vocational Training, Promoting Entrepreneurship and Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises  as a Job Creation Instrument and Adapting Labour Protection for More Effective Protection and Increased Resilience for All Workers. Union Minister also drew the attention towards the exemplary achievements of India in all these areas. He highlighted the provisions made in the social security code for providing social security to the gig and platform workers. He further emphasized that the skill development is being aligned to the need of future of work. He said that the experiences gained from this year’ G20 Employment Working Group meetings would aid India in its upcoming presidency and would contribute to our pursuit of securing labour welfare, in light of the dynamic nature of the 21st Century world of work.
Union Minister also held several bilateral meetings with Countries including Germany, Singapore, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, and Turkiye. In all these meetings, Minister briefed on our upcoming Presidency and broad priorities and sought the support of these Countries and Organizations for our goals. Need for signing of Migration and Mobility Agreement and Social Security Agreement at the earliest was highlighted for facilitating ease of mobility and for ensuring social security to the international workers.
Union Minister also attended the welcome dinner hosted by H.E. Ida Fauziyah, Minister of Manpower, Indonesia and witnessed the Joint statement by B20 – L20, two prominent engagement groups of G20.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India reports 37th Day of Recoveries outnumbering New Cases
Positivity Rate and Daily Fatalities continue with sustained Decline
For the second day, new cases reported in the last 24 hours did not cross the 50,000 mark. 45,903 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. New daily cases continue to trend downwards with the success of Jan-Andolan promoting COVID appropriate behaviour.
The trend of recoveries outnumbering new cases has continued for the 37th Day with 48,405 cases recovering in the last 24 hours.
This trend has continued to shrink the active caseload of India which is presently 5.09 lakhs. With a manageable contribution of 5.95% of India’s total positive cases, India’s active caseload stands at 5,09,673.
The Recovery Rate has also been boosted with the trend of recoveries exceeding new cases. It presently stands at 92.56%. Total Recoveries today stand at 79,17,373. The gap between Recovered cases and Active cases has steadily widened to74,07,700.
India’s Cumulative Positivity Rate has also declined as new cases decline but focus on testing remains a prime commitment of the Centre and the State/UT governments. India’s Cumulative Positivity Rate has dropped to 7.19% today.
79% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs.
Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 8,232 newly recovered cases. 6,853 people recovered in Kerala followed by 6,069 in Delhi.
79% of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs.
Delhi has reported the highest daily new cases, also its highest tally so far with 7,745 new cases. Delhi is followed by Maharashtra with 5,585 cases and Kerala with 5,440 cases.
490 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. Fatalities have continued to decrease with less than 500 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.
Of these 490 new deaths, ten States/UTs account for nearly 81%. More than a quarter  of mortalities reported in the last 24 hours is from Maharashtra with 125 fatalities. Delhi and West Bengal follows with 77 and 59 new deaths, respectively.